potpourri vase

Object NamePot Pourri Vase and Cover

Manufacturerprobably La Manufacture des cristaux du Creusot

Made FromLead Glass, Gilt-Bronze, Marble

Dateabout 1786-1794

TechniqueBlown, cut, assembled

SizeOverall H: 33.2 cm, W: 18 cm, D: 13.4 cm

Accession Number2017.3.8 A

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

It may not be obvious to viewers now that the five-piece set this object is part of was conceived as a “scent machine” for the home. The central vessel is meant to hold potpourri, a medley of fresh seasonal flowers and spices. It is flanked by two candle holders, then by two flower vases. The entire apparatus placed on a mantlepiece would have diffused blooming fragrances across a large room, delighting guests and hosts.

Place Made

France, probably Burgundy (glass); France, probably Paris (mounts and assembly)

Physical DescriptionPot Pourri Vase and Cover. Cobalt blue lead glass, gilt-bronze, marble; blown and facet-cut glass, assembled. (a) Straight sided facet-cut glass pot pourri vase, wider at the neck than at the foot. Vase stands on a circular, white marble base encircled with beads, and supported on console legs with four scroll feet. The mount is adorned with swags of beads and pendant drops, and the handles are in the form of female bacchantes. A gilt-bronze fretwork frieze tops the facet-cut glass vase, and is encircled by a gilt-bronze laurel wreath. (b) Matching inverted bell-shaped glass cover with vertical facet-cut decoration. Cover has gilt-bronze knop of stylized acanthus leaves.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

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